DEAR JOHN
RYAN: Dear John is the new romantic drama based on a book by the same author of The Notebook.
CAROLINE: I’m so bummed I missed this screening with you. I think I wanted to see it even more than you did.
RYAN: It’s true. I wasn’t very inspired by the trailer. I expected it to be boring and lame even though I’ve liked the star, Amanda Seyfried, since she was in Mamma Mia.
CAROLINE: And she’s on TV’s Big Love.
RYAN: Her role is a bit provincial but she works it. And interestingly, she’s on the beach again in this movie.
CAROLINE: Does she sing too?
RYAN: Yes! She sings a couple songs and I noticed in the credits she actually co-wrote one of them!
CAROLINE: Wow. Way to show some range, Amanda.
RYAN: She has a terrific voice, but that’s just a bit moment. I have to tell you – I really loved this film.
CAROLINE: Oh that’s cool. I’m glad of that. How does it measure up to The Notebook?
RYAN: Well I’m trying not to compare it. It’s no Notebook, but it’s very romantic indeed.
CAROLINE: And how was Channing Tatum?
RYAN: He’s alright. He’s hot, to be sure. But he’s a bit wooden and stiff. He definitely emotes in the film but there’s something very one dimensional about his acting to me.
CAROLINE: I still can’t help but remember him as a dancer.
RYAN: I think of him in a lot of different positions too, wink wink. He and Amanda are on fire in this film. Seriously – some of the best chemistry in a very long time. I kinda want them to hook up in real life the way Ryan & Rachel did after The Notebook.
CAROLINE: Anything’s possible in Hollywood.
RYAN: Some of the war scenes were a bit much for me but as you know, I’m so over war in movies. I could have done without those moments. And overall, I think they could have shaved about 15 – 20 minutes out of the movie but I still liked it truly, madly, deeply.
CAROLINE: Any other performances worth mentioning?
RYAN: OMG yes! Henry Thomas, who played the little boy Elliott in E.T. is in it. He looks gorge and he’s actually a very fine actor. I’d love to see much more of him. And I know you like Richard Jenkins. He’s brill as Channing’s pops.
CAROLINE: Nice. I’m going to have to go ahead and pay to see this one.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: A perfect date movie for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. It’s the kind of movie where you might get misty-eyed, but you’ll believe in love – feel the chemistry and root for them. T’would be nice if you went and could hold someone’s hand. I saw it with friends, but still got swept up into the romance.
— RATING —
